What would cause distortion in one speaker while playing a record but not when using the radio?

Question

I recently bought an old Zenith stereo system, and when I play a record with it I get distortion on the right speaker but when I use the radio everything sounds crystal clear in both speakers. So I was wondering what might cause this? Thanks.

Alan · Answer

First up, those were respectable systems back in their day -  Zenith and Magnavox stereos were truly built well.

However age and parts failure figure into this. Most likely you have the Zenith MicroTouch 2G tone arm on the record changer. I strongly suspect that the stylus is bad, partially due to age (deterioration of the rubber parts) and simply wear on the LP stylus tip. Do make sure that the knob on the top of the cartridge is set to LP (press down, rotate, release).

If that is set right, I recommend replacing the stylus (AKA needle). If indeed it is a MicroTouch 2G changer, are the choices of slightly different versions - and you do need the correct one. Look at the photos very carefully...

http://www.thevoiceofmusic.com/catalog/part_overview.asp

This company is THE BEST at turntable parts. I use them often as they truly know turntables. Pay attention to the small notes about length of the shaft.

To remove the stylus. pull up on the knob carefully - and watch for the very small spring that is there. Do not loose that spring! The stylus will drop down from the arm.

If a new stylus does not cure the problem, a new cartridge may be needed. I am reluctant to recommend just going ahead and changing that, as the new stock is inferior to the high quality cartridge that was originally installed. I restore a lot of Magnavox equipment and run into the same thing. The original parts were top notch, the replacements are poor or very costly.

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What would cause distortion in one speaker while playing a record but not when using the radio?

1 Answer